04-07-2020 | #1 |
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 890
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Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Just pulled my second Z stock radiator choked with road debris. I think there was a pint of sand in this one. We have Yorkies in our house and I snagged one of their fine wire brushes. The divas prefer the brushes with the little balls on the ends of the wires. I got one without the little balls and brushed the exterior of the radiator with it and man did it work well to get the junk out out. I also use AC coil foaming cleaner to finish after tapping and brushing and blowing.
Question. I cut the original lower radiator hose in half to get the radiator out. I do not like the looks of the TSTAT housing to disassemble it. Can I get the radiator back in with a new short piece of 1 3/4 inch hose? Anyone done it?
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Steve Young 1991 ZR-1 Quasar Blue Metallic/Black #729 Second Owner 1991 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Black #2040 SOLD 1990 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Saddle #1670 SOLD Double your happiness.....complain half as much. |
04-07-2020 | #2 |
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Ridgecrest ca
Posts: 71
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Don’t think so I would get another hose
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04-07-2020 | #3 |
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sparks, NV
Posts: 2,852
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
I’ve done it but it’s a bear. Just recently on my own car as a matter of fact. So, yes it can be done without removing the thermostat housing.
H
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90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold. |
04-07-2020 | #4 |
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 890
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Ok it can be done. I will experiment cutting the hose with some angle on it. I will ditch the factory clamps in favor of the screw type I can put on afterwards.
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Steve Young 1991 ZR-1 Quasar Blue Metallic/Black #729 Second Owner 1991 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Black #2040 SOLD 1990 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Saddle #1670 SOLD Double your happiness.....complain half as much. |
04-07-2020 | #5 | |
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 143
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Quote:
Sent from my SM-G950U using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app |
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04-07-2020 | #6 |
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sparks, NV
Posts: 2,852
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
The silicon hoses are more pliable and make this a bit easier.
H
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90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold. |
04-08-2020 | #7 |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,714
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Young1,
Since you are working on radiator i thought i would share my experience based on my 94 with 170,000 miles on the odometer. my experience with GM radiators have been passenger side plastic tank failure about 1/3 from the top facing the engine bay. I had two fail exactly on the same spot. It was evident, looking at the crack, that continuous expansion and contraction of the plastic tank combined with engine bay and coolant heat eventually cracks reinforcing rib built into the tank facing. When this happens, tank will balloon and crack. Just be aware of this. In my case, I went to dual row Dewitt all aluminum radiator and consider this to be one of the best bang for buck mod. Also, at least for the short hose between the radiator to thermostat housing (I think...), consider going with silicone hose as a few are suggesting. Much easier to install and remove in the future. Another word of caution - silicone hoses seems to shrink in thickness over time. You have to go back and tighten the clamp a bit periodically. I was mysteriously losing coolant which drove me nuts for a while and then found out all my hose clamps were loose. Thought I would share my experiences since you are working on your radiator. |
04-08-2020 | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Mystic CT
Posts: 2,625
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Not trying to spend your money, but....
Do your self a favor and replace the stock Radiator with an aluminum one. DeWitts are good. Summit usually has a good price on them with free shipping. Don‘t trust those 30 year old plastic tanks! You know when it finally craps out, guaranteed, you won’t be in your driveway! |
04-08-2020 | #9 | |
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 3,714
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Quote:
Now that I look back, it was an experience of a lifetime! Priceless! And Master Card chatges to prove it. |
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04-08-2020 | #10 | |
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Mystic CT
Posts: 2,625
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Re: Radiators and Yorkie brushes
Quote:
Sounds like you invented the term “while I’m in there” Stay healthy |
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